The Experiences of Occupational Therapists Working on Interprofessional Primary Health Care Teams: A Case Study.

<p>The aim of this research was to provide evidence on the integration of occupational therapy (OT) intervention in primary care from the perspective of OTs. Typical services provided, experience with team members, and the identified value of OT in primary health care was explored. OT possesses the expertise and skill set to address the most common chronic conditions that primary care providers treat by entry level educational preparation. OT services are based upon a holistic view of individuals creating an affective skill set to participate in and coordinate health care delivery for the client. Currently limited evidence is available to support OT in primary care. A need exists for the development of defined roles for OT in the interprofessional primary care team. The changing reimbursement model for health care delivery and associated funding also adds to the paucity of information available in this emerging practice area. Qualitative methods were used in this case study research. Semi-structured interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed for emergent themes. Findings of this study include main themes of facility characteristics, assessment and intervention strategies, interprofessional communication, barriers including space and time, and future needs for the education of OTs. Conclusions from this study present how integration into primary care will require OTs to advocate for their place in this setting as valued and beneficial members to the primary care team. OTs found that the greatest impact was made through focusing interventions on habits and routines, managing chronic conditions and co-morbidities, and prevention. </p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Master's

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy

Grantor dc:publisher

Eastern Kentucky University

Year

2015

Author dc:creator

• McClellan, Emma Blake

• federally qualified health centers
• Health and wellness
• Interprofessional primary care
• Occupational therapy
• patient centered medical homes
• Prevention in primary care
• Primary Care

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2015 Emma Blake McClellan

Repository record dc:identifier

https://encompass.eku.edu/etd/291

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:encompass.eku.edu:etd-1289